Erin Jackson Secures Spot for 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics
Erin Jackson, the trailblazing speed skater who made history as the first Black woman to win a Winter Olympic gold medal in an individual sport, has officially qualified for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Jackson earned her spot on the U.S. team after finishing third in the 500 meters at a recent World Cup event with an impressive time of 37.15 seconds. Her performance at the Salt Lake City World Cup, where she had placed second in both 500-meter races earlier this season, allowed her to secure her Olympic berth well before the Olympic trials even began.
Jackson’s journey to the Olympics has been a mix of triumph and challenge. Back in 2022, she had been ranked number one in the world in the 500 meters and seemed destined to secure one of the U.S. spots at the Olympic trials. However, a slip during her race caused her to finish third, leaving her fate uncertain until Brittany Bowe, who had finished first, declined her spot in the 500 meters. Jackson went on to claim gold in Beijing, solidifying her place in Olympic history. This near-miss prompted U.S. Speed Skating to revise their qualifying procedures, allowing athletes who medal at the world championships or podium in multiple World Cups to earn automatic spots on the team—a rule that benefits Jackson this season.
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Now a seasoned competitor, Jackson continues to push herself despite physical setbacks. She has been managing three herniated discs in her lower back and has adjusted her training to include low-impact activities like aqua jogging and elliptical workouts. Yet, her intensity remains unmatched, a trait she honed from her days as a fierce inline skater before transitioning to ice in 2017. By 2022, that dedication had paid off with an Olympic gold medal.
Beyond her pursuit of another gold, Jackson is passionate about giving back to the sport that transformed her life. She envisions starting an organization to raise awareness and provide financial support for aspiring skaters, recognizing that the cost of entering speed skating can be a significant barrier.
Jackson’s focus is clear: it’s still just her, the ice, and the clock. With her Olympic future secured and the pressure of trials behind her, she is ready to continue blazing a trail on the ice, aiming not only to defend her gold but to inspire the next generation of athletes as she races toward Milano Cortina in 2026.
The U.S. women’s Olympic speed skating team will carry Jackson’s experience and talent as a cornerstone, and with her leadership and resilience, fans can expect a thrilling display of speed, skill, and determination at the next Winter Games.
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